ITANAGAR, Jan 02: The 13th edition of the Tadar Tang Memorial State Level Football
Tournament (TTMSLFT) will witness many firsts.

Affiliated with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) since 1992, the Arunachal
Pradesh Football Association (APFA) has been slowly and steadily promoting the world’s
most popular sport in Arunachal with sheer dedication and passion.

This year’s TTMSLFT, which has become its trademark event, will for the very first
time host a member of the AIFF when its vice-president and MD of the Shillong-based
Lajong FC, Larsing Ming Sawyan comes to Rajiv Gandhi Stadium at Naharlagun to witness
the inaugural day’s proceedings on January 11 next.

Among the many firsts in this year’s tournament, the APFA has also approached the
AIFF to requisition Ist Class National Referees to officiate matches. The tournament
will also conduct dope tests on players for the first time in the state. Much of
these steps are the initiatives of the APFA and the Arunachal Pradesh Football Players’
Association (APFPA).

The APFPA secretary Kipa Ajay, who attended the AIFF annual general meeting in New
Delhi on December 20 last, informed that AIFF president Praful Patel has directed
all associated members to begin promoting the game at the grassroots level. The TTMSLFT
will also act as the perfect breeding ground for selection of the Arunachal Pradesh
team for the next Santosh Trophy. However, since matches will be officiated by AIFF
recognised referees, the APFA secretary appealed to players to maintain the highest
form of discipline both on and off the field.

Ajay also informed that certain districts continuously failing to send teams for
the all-important state-level event is “discouraging players”. Laying the blame on
government sports officials, he said that such offending districts will not be allowed
to participate in future events if they fail to send teams for state-level football
tournaments for two consecutive years.

CRPF win T20 friendly

ITANAGAR, Jan 02: E-coy 138 CRPF Company, Daporijo won the friendly T20 cricket match
played against District Cricket Association (DCA) by 25 runs at BN (Police) playground
on December 29.

The CRPF team set a target of 141 run before DCA to win after losing the toss and
being asked to bat first.

Openers Manaj Kr Prasad, constable and Narayan Haider, constable contributed 98 runs
for the CRPF team. Prasad was run out by a brilliant throw from Pakding Kodak. He
made 79 runs. His partner Haider made 19 runs before being caught by Jitu Rigia,
Block Education Officer (Aca), at short mid-on off the bowling of Made Dupit. Pinku
Gole made 22 runs. He was caught by Pravin off the bowling of Dekio Gumja, CDPO.
Deepak Verma and MK Narawriya scored six and two runs respectively. RK Maity was
out for duck and Anupam Saha (4) remained not out.

Chasing the target, opener Dekio Gumja, CDPO made quick 58 runs from just 31 deliveries.
He was caught by Narayan Haider off the bowling of RK Maity at deep fine leg. Made
Singdu made 6 runs. He was caught by Narayan Haider off the bowling of Firujul Haque
at short leg.

Manaj Kr Prasad was declared ‘Man of the Match’ for his outstanding 79 runs.

The match was witnessed by Vijay Singh, OC E-coy 138 CRPF Daporijo along with his
staff.

The tournament was organized by District Cricket Association in collaboration with
United Sinyik Cricket Club.

The main objective of the tournament was to motivate the young generation towards
the field of games and sports and also to foster unity and bilateral cooperation
between District Cricket Association and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Final electoral rolls on Jan 6

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: The final publication of electoral rolls of 56 assembly constituencies
except four assembly constituencies, namely Palin, Nyapin, Tali and Koloriang, will
be done on January 6, State Chief Electoral Officer informed in a release.

The last date for filing claims and objections for those four assembly constituencies
is January 3, 2014.

All the EROs in Kurung Kumey district have been directed to scrutinize each claim
and objection carefully. They have also been directed to invoke section 31 of the
RP Act, 1950 against any false declaration/forged document.

BJP team pays tribute to brave jawans

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: State Bharatiya Janata Party president Tai Tagak called upon the
party cadres to work hard and expedite party’s ongoing ‘Ghar-Ghar Chalo; Gaon-Gaon
Chalo Abhiyan. Tagak was addressing the Tawang District BJP unit executive meeting
at Tawang on Dec 29 and 30.

Emphasizing the need of time-bound implementation of party’s organizational policy,
Tagak said completing party’s primary units-booth committees will strengthen the
party organization which will provide stability and good politics for good governance.

The BJP president while hailing the courage of people in guarding the Motherland
also recalled the contributions of people of Tawang and Kameng valley. State General
Secretary (Prog) Dominic Tadar, Party Spokesperson Techi Necha, State BJYM President
Dugh Saha, State BJPKM General Secretary Boken Keno, District BJP Presidents of West
Kameng and Tawang- Sambu Siongju and Sharpu Lama and former District BJJP President
Kesang Philey also spoke on the occasion.

The State BJP team headed by Tai Tagak on their way to Tawang paid tributes to the
brave Jawans who laid down their lives for the motherland at Nyukmadung War Memorial
near Dirang and Jashwant Ghar War Memorial after Sela pass and at Tawang War Memorial.

Farmers training on potato cultivation

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lohit district under NRC on Yak (ICAR), Arunachal
Pradesh has organized a training on potato for the farmers of Dharampur village recently.
Dr. Debasish Borah, thoroughly discussed about the scientific cultivation of potato.
Discussions on various problems faced by the farmers were also held.

A total of 43 farmers were present in the training including the Panchayat members.
They also requested the organizers to conduct more such programmes in the future.

AMK coordination meet held

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: A joint coordination meeting of Adi Mishing Kebang (AMK) was held
under the chairmanship of its president Raju Medak at Parbuk Community Hall, Lower
Dibang Valley District on December 29.

Highlighting the purpose of the meeting AMK Secretary General Okom Yosung urged people
of both Adi and Mishing communities, especially residing in Assam-Arunachal boundary
to maintain brotherhood, develop understandinds for peaceful co-existence.

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: The villagers of Sede, Sedejollang, Nanyo, Chamte, Gungtung, Debegollo,
Tangri, Palin, Dowla, Patiwa, Pijerang, Veo, Taroyar and Pakhro under Pakke Kessang
Sub-Division of East Kameng district have insisted that the Sede-Pakho stretch of
Trans-Arunachal Highway must follow the existing road alignment as per approved by
the GoI.

This was decided in a meeting held under the chairmanship of president, 12th Pakke
Kessang Land Affected Peoples’ Forum (12th PKLAPF), Nabam Budh Hina on December 28
last year.

Seeking early disbursement of community land compensation of Sede-Pakho stretch of
Trans Arunachal Highway, the actual land affected owners decided that the land compensation
be distributed equally to each of the household of the segment.

AEKSU gives memo to DC on absentee staffs

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: Taking strong exception to the absentee’s head of departments and
other government staffs from its duty place, All East Kameng Students Union (AEKSU)
submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner seeking to ensure head of departments
are be at station. In its representation AEKSU claimed that none of the HoD of
technical departments such as Civil Power, PHED, Electrical Power, PWD, LRSO and
DFCSO were present at the office during working hours and making lots of inconvenient
to the common people. The district apex students union further stated that due to
absence of concerned officer at Seppa many issues such as PDS, land encroachment
and electricity crisis of the township are yet to be discussed. The union appealed
to the district administration to ensure all government staffs to resume their duty
and present at station immediately so that department related issues can be discussed.

AEKSU distributes essentials items for students

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: The All East Kameng Students’ Union (AEKSU) distributed items such
as football, volleyball, net, utensils and water pipe for the students of Govt. Secondary
School, Pakoti and Government Middle School, Mebua on December 19 last.

NewsImpact

Violence greets Tirap on New Year

2 civilians, as many ultras killed in crossfire

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: Two members of a family were killed while another sustained grievous
injury when they got caught in the crossfiring between Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM)
at remote Hoalam village in Tirap district today morning. Those killed were identified
as Panjam Wangsu (52) and his son Ranthak Wangsu (15). Nyelai Wangsu, mother of deceased
Ranthak, who suffered grievous injury in the crossfire was admitted to district hospital,
Khonsa.

Two cadre of NSCN (IM) also died on the spot in the fierce encounter, while another
cadre was arrested by 1 AR during the operation. The slain militants were identified
as self-styled sergeant major of the outfit Wang Shung Mi and Corporal Sumong Tikhil.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has expressed shock and grief over the reported
death of two villagers during crossfire.

Announcing ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 4 lakh each to the deceased and Rs. 1 lakh
to the seriously injured, Tuki ordered a magisterial enquiry to ascertain the exact
reason behind the deaths of civilians in the crossfire.

The Chief Minister further deputed an Inspector General level Police Officer to take
stock of the situation. A massive manhunt was launched in the area immediately in
search of other probable militants.

Meanwhile, strong reaction evoked at Khonsa, the district headquarters over the death
of the two civilians.

Hearing the news Arunachal Pradesh Speaker Wanglin Lowangdong rushed to District
Hospital, Khonsa and met the victims and bereaved family. Further, attending the
public meeting comprising of Panchayat leaders and NGOs Lowangdong appealed to all
the Tirap people to keep patience and to abide by law and orders.

The Speaker assured for judicial inquiry into the matter with the help of Government
at the earliest.

The All Tirap District Students Union president Jiten Wangsa appealed to the state
government as well as to the ultras of Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts for
justice and not to harass innocent people.

However, till now no groups has claimed responsibility for killing of two civilians
during gun battle between NSCN-IM and 1 AR.

The Nocte Students' Union also strongly condemned the shocking and barbaric killing
of the innocent people. The Union appealed all the elected representatives of the
district along with PR leaders, public and village leaders to come together to help
the family of the deceased.

Expressing resentment over the repeated violence, the NSU also said a solution must
be found out to curb such barbaric acts.

NEW DELHI, Jan 2: A key environmental panel has recommended clearance for two hydel
power projects in the Siang river valley in Arunachal Pradesh.

The two projects—Simang I and II totalling 133 MW—are located on the Simang, the
right bank tributary of the Siang River. Projects in the Siang river basin are viewed
as strategically important on account of the border with China. Adishankar Power
Pvt Ltd is the project developer.

The Expert Appraisal Committee on River Valley and Hydroelectric Power Projects decided
to recommend to the environment ministry that the two projects be cleared subject
to requisite clearances from the National Wildlife Board, since Simang II is 6.4
km away from the Mouling National Park.

The panel has asked the developer to revise the cost estimate of implementing the
environmental management plan, as it found the figures submitted by it to be on the
lower side. It has also suggested that environmental flows of the river should be
in line with the recommendations of the Siang Basin study report for winter or lean,
monsoon and non-lean and non-monsoon seasons. As of now, the Simang I and II hydro-power
projects are the only projects on this river.

The total land requirement for Simang I is 54.58 hectare, of which 32.74 hectare
is forestland. The 18-metre barrage will result in a submergence of 15.5 hectare.

Simang II, on the other hand, requires about 46.14 hectare of land, of which 26.75
hectare is forestland. The 18-metre barrage will result in a submergence of 10.57
hectare of land.

Projects in the Siang river basin are seen as strategically important. The Yarlung
Tsangpo is known as the Siang after it enters India in Arunachal Pradesh. This is
what gives the Siang basin its strategic significance from an international point
of view.

The government considers developing the Siang basin important as it will not only
help India counter Chinese build-up in the area but also strengthen its negotiating
position with China. India and China have no water agreements. As a result, there
is no structured international convention under which India can appeal its lower
riparian rights be affected by the power projects on the Tsangpo.

In this context, developing the Siang basin provides India the best safeguard. As
early as August 2010, the then environment minister Jairam Ramesh had written to
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying the environment ministry would ensure expeditious
forest and environment clearances for all projects on river Siang without ignoring
ecological concerns. (Source Economic Times)

Administrations agree to maintain status quo

SEPPA, Jan 2: East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Tarin Dakpe and Sonitpur district (Assam)
Deputy Commissioner Lalit Gogoi gave emphasis on maintaining peace and harmony and
age-old bond by the people of the two neighbouring states. Both the DCs agreed to
maintain the status quo as per Supreme Court ruling.

The DC along with ADC Seijosa, DFO, Pakke Tiger Reserve & OC PS, Seijosa called
on the Sonitpur DC at his office Chamber at Tezpur today to discuss about the border
issues.

During the discussion the East Kameng DC expressed his hope that the relationship
maintained by his Assam counterpart will promote peace, harmony and co-existence
in between the people of Seijosa/Dissing Passo circle of Arunachal and Assam. Dakpe
also invited his Sonitpur counterpart to visit Seijosa and Bhalukpong. Sonitpur DC
Gogoi, while, narrating the age-old relationship between the people of Assam and
Arunachal since Ahom days stressed the need for maintaining peace and brotherhood
among the people of East Kameng, West Kameng and Papum Pare bordering Assam.

T. Dakpe also met Sonitpur SP Arvind Kalita. The SP assured full co-operation as
and when sought for by the people of both Kameng district and Papum Pare.

DC Dakpe also visited Seijosa, the Sub- Divisional HQ . He made a surprise checking
of the 3rd IRBN at Seijosa and interacted with the police personnel. The DC also
met the public leaders and ZPM, Seijosa and discussed with them various issues relating
to border. The DC advised them to maintain a cordial relation with the people of
Assam. The DC further inspected the Police Check-gate at Seijosa and he instructed
the Police to keep strict vigil on the movement of people crossing the check gate.
DIPRO

‘Follow deputation norms’

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) has alleged the ruling Congress
Govt. of not following deputation norms stating that the Govt. has violated deputation
guidelines many a times over the last three decades to fill the vacancies with candidates
of their choice.

“It is well laid down that all deputation vacancies have to be clearly reflected
through advertisement and maximum period of deputations clearly laid down. It is
also well laid down that the incumbents after expiry of their period have to come
back to their parent departments and in case of permanent absorption in place of
deputations, they will have to undergo fair chances of competition along with other
aspirants,” said PPA president Nikh Kamin. Also the formalities such as NOC from
the original departments as well as the accepting departments with vigilance and
other clearances are mandatory. But in Arunachal Pradesh, most of the procedures
have been intentionally overlooked and non deserving candidates with no requisite
service length or especial technical expertise have been given the favour of higher
posts and higher scales,” the PPA president said.

According to Kamin, such practices of Govt. demoralize other employees and further
create negative work environment at both the parent as well as the accepting department.

While supporting the genuine demands of Arunachal Pradesh Doctor Association, the
Chief Ministerial Candidate of PPA Laeta Umbrey urged the Govt. to do away with the
practices of pick and choose method in appointment of DMOs, deputy directors and
for that matter any other post of great public interest and strictly adhere to the
laid down rules of DPC and other service condition.

According to Umbrey, no sensible Govt can afford to play around with the sentiments
of doctors, who are seen as life givers and saviors by the public at large.

BRO reconstructs bailey bridge in record time

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: The BRO personnel proved its mettle and reconstructed the collapsed
Sarti Bailey bridge at km 39.73 on Hayuliang-Changwanti road in a record 4-5 days.

The bailey bridge collapsed when a truck (trailer) laden with crusher machine (more
than 45T combine load of trailer and crusher unit against the specified load) crossed
the bridge on December 26 last resulting in complete disconnection of Anjaw district
HQ Hawai. A 2-year-old child had died and seven other injured in the bridge collapse.

48 BRTF located at Demwe and its subunits -116RCC and 1444BCC at Hayuliang and Changwaniti
respectively took it as challenge, swung into action immediately. As a result a new
140ft Bailey bridge was launched and opened for traffic by December 31.

Early construction of the bailey bridge was also necessitated in view of the proposed
visit of the Governor to district headquarter and Walong on January 3 and 4.

Today after restoration of connectivity in record time of five days, the Cdr TF said
that BRO in its true spirit has done his job of restoration of connectivity in record
time, now it is on civil administration how it manages in ensuring that no such tragic
and reckless accident occurs again in district. Cdr TF also appreciated the district
administration for help and support it extended. He, however, expressed his concern
for the damages taking place at various location in between Hayuliang and Changawinti
due to under-progress PMGSY/RWD road and requested the DC to instruct concern executing
agency/ contractor to either ensure no or minimal damages to road and in case same
unavoidable occurs than maintenance to any damaged stretches must be undertaken by
executing agency, according to an official release.

Donyi-Polo day celebrated with religious fervor

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: Donyi-Polo Day was celebrated with traditional gaiety and religious
fervor in various parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

In state Capital, the Donyi-Polo Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh
(DPFCSAP) organized a vehicle rally from Ramakrishna Mission Helipad ground to Nyikum
Nyia Ground Nirjuli to mark the celebration of Donyi-Polo Day on December 31.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Vivekananda Kendra Pranth Pramukh Dr. Joram
Begi, who is also Director, Higher and Technical Education, GoAP, asked the common
citizens to adopt traditional cultures. Dr. Begi also mentioned that 31st December
being the last day of the last month of the year is very significant especially for
the indigenous populace and believers on nature, the Sun and the Moon.

Dr. Begi has also asked the DPFCSAP to celebrate 31st December every year as the
Donyi Polo Day and ask everyone to follow the weekly prayer system.

Jumbo Raton, Senior Member of Donyi-Polo Yelam Kebang appreciated the Donyi Polo
Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh for organizing Donyi Polo Day on 31st
December even after shifting of indigenous Faith Day from 31st December to 1st December
and asked the Donyi Polo believers of the state to follow the path of Golgi Bote
Talom Rukbo the founder of Donyi Polo movement who started weekly prayer system in
1986 at Pasighat.

Bengia Augung, President, DPFCSAP in his address requested the state Govt., Political
parties, NGOs and community-based-organizations not to divide the society in the
name of religion and appealed the indigenous people to be careful about the religious
conversion.

Later in the day, Donyi-Polo Yelam Kebang organized an annual celebration at Nirjuli.
Bengia Augung unfurled the DPYK Flag in presence of Dr. Joram Begi Adol Bingap
and large number of indigenous faith believers.

While addressing the impressive gathering, Bengia Augung appreciated the role of
Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo, the father of Donyi-Polo movement in the State without which
we indigenous people could have been a “Forgotten Tribe”.

At Pasighat, the epicenter of state’s indigenous faith movement, thousands of believers
thronged in all the Ganggings (traditional prayers centers) to offer prayer with
great enthusiasm. At Lamrung Gangging (located near Solung ground), the celebration
started with unfurling of ceremonial Donyi-Polo flag by the Education Minister Bosiram
Siram on Tuesday morning. Apart from rituals and community prayers to God and Goddess,
the believers participated in traditional songs and dances etc to mark the day. Among
others, Bosiram Siram, DC Nidhi Srivastava, retired IAS officer Oshong Ering and
faith followers offered floral tributes to the portrait of the pioneer of indigenous
faith movement Golgi Bote Talom Rukbo and prayed almighty for peace and prosperity.

Later, while addressing the gatherings at Solung hall, Siram greeted the people and
called for preserving and promoting the indigenous faiths, culture and traditions
for wellbeing of all. Giving the message of oneness, the minister appealed all to
follow the paths shown by the forefathers. He appreciated the President Gogo Moyong,
Secretary Osi Koyu and their associates for dedicating their time and energy for
the noble cause. He released a trilingual book (in Adi, Mising and English) “The
Leading Star” edited by prominent writer Kaling Borang and authored by the writers
of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam containing the thoughts and deeds of the father of
indigenous movement Talom Rukbo. Siram apprised the house that a multistoried cultural
hall would be constructed in the Solung ground to promote socio-cultural-religious
events.

DC Nidhi Srivastava and retired IAS officer Oshong Ering called for preservation
of the rich culture and traditions stating that the people across the globe were
looking forward to explore Donyi-Poloism.

At Koloriang, Donyi Polo Day was celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by the indigenous
faith followers at Koloriang in Kurung Kumey district on December 31.

In his speech Bengia Tado said that ‘our ancestors were not fool, they preserved
this rich cultural heritage and faith in generations, passed over to us with confidence
that we will make it more glorious and hand over to next generation so that world
would identify us with our rich indigenous faith and culture.

Chello Nyakum, secretary AVP district unit appealed the audience to accelerate the
Nyedar Namlo movement in area. He appreciated the organizers for their motto of promoting
indigenous faith and culture. He said that culture and religion can’t be separated;
they are two sides of a coin, like body with soul.

At Palin, the Donyi-Polo Day was celebrated by Indigenous faith followers with pomp
and traditional fervour at Nyedar Namlo. The celebration started with the flag
hoisting by Biri Sown, Principal H.S.S. Palin. After rituals and prayers in Nyedar
Namlo, Sown explained the importance of indigenous faith and appealed to preserve
own identity and culture. T Tatung, ASM Sangyata, Toku Rani, ASM Bangte, Tai Nikio
, priest Nyedar Namlo, Palin and many dignitaries were present on the occasion.

MWS organizes painting event for jail inmates

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: Muskan Welfare Society (MWS), Arunachal Pradesh organized a painting
programme on the theme “Indian War of Independence” for the inmates of Central Jail
at Jollang village here yesterday. The First Lady and Chairperson of MWS Jyotsna
Sharma, who has been loved and respected for her philanthropic work among the local
population, the war widows and the elderly, of Kashmir during her stay there dedicating
service to the vision of Jawaan aur Awam, Aman hai Muqquam, hoped that with this
first little step, inspiring new opportunities for a life of hope and purpose may
be instilled among inmates living in imprisonment. Inmates from different age groups
participated in the event giving a flow to their inner creativity.

Inmates from different age groups participated in the event giving a flow to their
inner creativity.

The event was followed by meeting and interaction by Members of Muskan Welfare Society
in cooperation with the authorities of Central Jail, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh with
the inmates. The prison inmates requested the MWS to facilitate urgent legal aid
for its members and for additional sports facilities to which it was assured that
the MWS would expeditiously bring up their requests before competent authorities
for consideration.

Members of the Muskan Welfare Society, Shilpa Shinde who is also IG Prisons, Monika
Punia, Mamata Riba and Member Secretary Kobbi (Zirdo) Bagra, among those interacting
with the gathering, shared the message that each day has a purpose for making a better
tomorrow and for this one must strive.

Proposed visit of CM & Governor to Tezu & Anjaw welcomed

ITANAGAR, Jan 2: The All Mishmi Students Union (AMSU) lead by its general secretary
has dismissed the recent statement made by its president, wherein he had opposed
proposed visit of Chief Minister and Governor to Tezu and Anjaw respectively. AMSU
GS Ayingso Kri has termed the statement as false and done with intention to spread
misinformation.

While referring to September 27 Tezu incident, AMSU GS stated that matter is sub-judice
and it is left upon law to take its own course. In the meantime, the SIT team had
also visited the town regarding the same matter. “Now when the situation was gradually
returning back to normalcy under active positive supervision of the Tezu MLA and
the District Administration, the press release surfaced with the malicious intent
to disturb the peaceful ambience of the town. “I vehemently condemn such subversive
acts which are against the common interests of Mishmi society and exhort the law
enforcement authorities to initiate stringent action against such trouble mongers,”
stated AMSU GS.

The progressive and peace loving Mishmi community of Lohit and Anjaw district whole
heartedly welcome the visit of the Governor in Anjaw district and that of the Chief
Minister in Lohit district with eager anticipation, it continued.

A brief Mythology of Nyetshidow Festival of Hrusso-Aka

By Serphow Nimasow

Aka tribe of Arunachal Pradesh consists of two clans namely Hrusso-Aka and Koro-Aka.
Nyetshidow is annual festival of Hrusso-Aka of West Kameng District and the Koro-Aka
of East Kameng District celebrates Sarok as their annual festival. Nyetshidow festival
is celebrated every year generally in the month of January after harvest. Earlier
this festival was celebrated individually in each and every village but these days
community elders decided to celebrate the festival commonly and every year, one month
before celebration of festival they select the venue for celebration. The celebration
lasts for five days. All outside activities are suspended during those days.

Nyetshidow means cleansing of village. Nyetshi means village and dow means cleansing
the village evil spirits and appeasing god by way of offering prayers and celebrating
the festival. To celebrate this festival a senior priest is selected by customary
means well ahead of the beginning day of the festival. In this festival prayers are
offered to Nyezi-No, Theo-Gheo and Huda-Phuda Gods of Hrusso. Nyezi means the Sky
(universe) and No means the Earth (soil), Theo-Gheo means the Rearer and the Feeder
and Huda-Phuda means Rivers and Mountains.

We, the Hrusso’s believe these natural forces in this infinite universe and on earth
are Gods. We call ourselves Nyezi-e-sa No-e-sa (the children of Nyezi-No). We also
believe that in-between Nyezi-No there exist unseen God and Goddess known as Theo-Gheo
(the rearer and the feeder) who control and guide entire human destiny. These Gods,
- Nyezi-No, Theo-Gheo and Huda-Phuda have the natural powers. When these Gods are
appeased in right way, they bless the humanity with happiness, peace and prosperity
but when aroused to wrath, inflict punishment in the form of natural calamities which
ultimately means misery and disaster. So we believe and worship natural forces to
protect us, our children, cattle, crops, fortune, peace, prosperity and well being.

While chanting festival hymns the priest recites the origin of human being and how
various forces on earth controls over human destiny. As the natural forces have cast
supreme influence over the lives and thoughts of Hrusso, the priest tries to appease
these Gods for good harvest and peaceful living by offering sacrifices to avoid catastrophe.
Offerings to the Gods are made on the concluding day at a place selected and decorated
as per instructions of the priest and also at the site from where village get source
of water drinking. Offerings consist of Mithun, pigs and fowls. Traditional dances,
games and sports are part of the celebration. All villagers and guests are invited
to a community feast after the offerings are over. Several customary taboos are followed
after the festival until the priest is called back again to perform ritual ceremonies
for withdrawing the taboos.

---- Readers Forum ----

Other-side of the story

Dear Editor,

Media is often called the Fourth pillar of Democracy due its important role in shaping
public opinion. But there have been instances wherein some vested minds manipulate
media to settle personal scores. Similar is the case of my husband, Maram Doka who
is honest police personnel serving in APP, Seppa. An allegation has been leveled
by one Yamak Phassang, alleging that she was manhandled by my husband and SI L. Buni
on gunpoint at her home without reasons. The story told till now is one sided. The
irony is that allegations after allegations have been leveled from well wishers of
Y. Phassang’s family who are residing in Itanagar, whereas the so called incident
occurred in Seppa.

On 29th of Nov’13 my husband Maram Doka after having dinner at his friend’s house
in type III colony Seppa, was returning for home. He saw a person lurking around
his bike, so he went and enquired. At this, Tasso Phassang husband of Yamak Phassang,
who was the person lurking around, got infuriated and gave a blow to my husband without
any reason. The impact so severe that one of his teeth got broke. My husband was
bleeding profusely from his mouth and I accompanied him to Police Station next day
on 30th Nov’13 to lodge complaint against Tasso Phassang for grievously hurting my
husband. A case was registered u/s 325 IPC by Officer-In-Charge Seppa and endorsed
to SI L. Buni. The IO formed arrest team and my husband was taken along as a spotter
for he knew the house of Tasso Phassang. When the arrest team led by SI L. Buni reached
the house of the accused, his wife opened the front door. When she saw the personnel
in uniform she tried to close the door as her husband, was very much inside the house
(armed with a dao), giving the accused an opportunity to escape from back door of
the house. SI L. Buni had to force open the door during which Y. Phassang lost her
balance and fell on the hard floor. As for the allegations regarding the manhandling
at gunpoint, it is completely baseless. As a wife, I can say with pride that my husband
would never raise his hands on a woman. So manhandling a woman at gunpoint, on his
part is a completely fabricated story to malign my husband’s reputation.

Now one month has gone by, accused T. Phassang is still evading arrest and using
his wife as a tool to defame my husband, SI L Buni and Seppa Police in general. Y.
Phassang not only harboured the accused but also obstructed his arrest which under
the purview of law is another offence. Such false allegations have repeatedly portrayed
my husband and SI Buni as ‘wardiwallah gunda’ in the public eye.

As a police personnel’s wife, I have come to accept that policing is a thankless
job, but such kind of false allegations not only degrades the morale of a personnel
but also affects his/her personal life. So it is my humble request to the general
public and relatives of the accused in particular that opinion may not be formed
based on fabricated non-tangible information and cooperate with the police so that
law of the land is respected and justice is done without delay.

Yours,

Mepa Rimo Doka,

New Seppa.

Conduct mains exam at the earliest

Dear editor,

On behalf of all civil service aspirant I want to express our ordeal to APPSC authorities
which we are facing because of speculation and assumptions over date for mains exam.

I guess this is one of the longest gaps that any civil service competitive exam had
provided, which is good in a sense but has its demerit too. There are many aspirants
who are government employee but now are on study leave preparing for mains exam.
They are being forced to extend their leave due to delay. Also there are many aspirants
whose carriers are basically at stake. If the exam is held very late and also if
result declaration is delayed, then many graduate students will be in dilemma whether
to pursue post graduation or not at this juncture. We have postponed many of our
carrier plans only for this mains exam. Therefore commission should conduct mains
exam as soon as possible.

Further I request commission to at least give us the tentative date, no matter if
it is conducted in Feb, Mar, April or May. We are done with this gestation period.

My last request is, please bring out some transparency with matter relating to high
court issue.

Yours,

Dinho Game

Itanagar

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----Editor

---- Editorial ----

Health sector needs attention

There are many places in Arunachal where medieval system of lifting serious patients
in stretcher to hospital is still prevailing. Many patients of remote and inaccessible
area die before reaching to the nearest health centre due to lack of transportation
facility. It is quite dangerous mode of transportation as stretchers used for carrying
patient are made of bamboo and is susceptible to breakdown. The government and concern
authorities are well aware of such problems but it seems they are turning blind eye
and not making any efforts to find out a mechanism.

Every massive amount of money is invested in health and infrastructure sector. However
there seems to be no improvement in the life of ordinary citizens living in interior
areas. The most shocking aspect is that priority sector like health is also becoming
prey to rampant corruption. The state government should take strong action against
those health officials who are compromising with life of poor citizen by indulging
in corruption. We cannot let those living in interior areas to continue risking their
life. It’s time they get health service at the door step.